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COLLEGE-WIDE HONORS PROGRAM

The Hostos Community College Honors Program provides an enriched academic, cultural and social experience to intellectually inquisitive and motivated students. The program offers students an academic environment that values and promotes critical thinking, analytical writing, and research and information competency skills through an innovative and challenging curriculum. Attendance at cultural events, conferences, honors seminars and an Honors Institute provide an intellectual community that encourages and supports students in pursuing their goals.

The program will offer greater academic opportunities to a previously underserved population, to prepare talented and ambitious students for the challenges of higher education, and to support a successful transition to senior colleges and expanded career options. A fundamental program goal is to promote self-confidence and increase self-esteem in students who need the encouragement to excel and the courage to continue their education and fulfill their life goals and dreams.

HONORS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

In order to graduate with honors, students will be required to complete an honors option, consisting of a minimum of three Honors Courses or Honors Contracts. Students may work on only one Honors Course or Contract per semester.

Successful completion of the Honors Program has a strong emphasis on participation. Honors students will participate in monthly Honors Colloquia every semester and other official Honors events, outlined at the beginning of each semester. Students will also perform a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of community service to adhere to their civic responsibility.

Attendance at cultural events, academic seminars, and conferences will foster a multicultural academic environment in which all students will learn to appreciate the many cultures which they represent as well as prepare students to participate fully in a diverse global environment. The Honors Student, therefore, will participate in at least two (2) such extracurricular activities per semester. While in the program, students will receive incentives and privileges associated with the Honors Program. All successfully completed honors contracts and honors courses will be indicated on the student’s transcript by an “H” designation. Students who complete all Honors Program requirements will receive a transcript stating that they graduated with Honors.

The number of students accepted into the Honors Program is predicated on financial ability and will be determined each academic year.

ELIGIBILITY

The Honors Program will consider full-time and part-time students for entry and inclusion into the Honors Program. In addition, first year freshmen students and transfer students may apply. Successful completion of the CUNY basic skills tests is a requirement to apply.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Entering freshmen need a high school average of 85 or better and a combined SAT score of 1100 (pre-2004) or (1700 (post-2004)

A 3.2 GPA or higher is required

All eligible students must attend a meeting with the Program Coordinator and/or Co-Directors

All applicants must submit an essay describing their educational goals and the importance of the Honors Program in achieving those goals and must provide 2 reference letters from faculty

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Each semester all Honors students are required to:

Maintain a 3.2 cumulative GPA

Complete a minimum of 6 credits per semester with a minimum of a B grade

Attend all Honors Colloquium

Register for an Honors course or complete an Honors contract

Complete a minimum of fifteen hours of community service

Attend a minimum of two extracurricular activities

Meet with their mentor bi-monthly

Attend Honors Gala

HONORS BENEFITS

Advantages of being an Honors student:

Academic and leadership development

“H” on the transcript denoting program completion

Laptop and iPad loan program

Use of a study space

Mentorship and assistance with registration

Assistance with applying for scholarship and transferring upon graduation

Small Honors courses

Travel opportunities

Empower students to achieve a 3.5 GPA and higher for Phi Theta Kappa and other honor societies

PROGRAM FUNDING

No financial assistance is available through the program, though an Honors Program Scholarship Award is available for outstanding students who have completed the Program. Students in the Honors Program are responsible for all other costs normally associated with college matriculation.

For information contact:

Ms. Karina Castro
Honors Program Coordinator
Office of Academic Affairs
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York
500 Grand Concourse, B-347
The Bronx, NY 10451
(718) 518-6609kcastro@hostos.cuny.edu